‘Poor readers are twice as likely to be unemployed at the age of thirty.’ – Basic Skills and Social Exclusion Researchers: Parsons & Byner

Well-developed literacy skills are vital in today’s world. Every day we are all required to communicate through reading, writing and speaking and listening.

At Coleraine College, we work hard to ensure that students achieve well in examinations. However, we also want to make sure that students are well prepared for the demands that life will make of them when they leave school. This means promoting good literacy skills right across the curriculum, not just in English lessons. It is our aim that students will be active, happy, successful citizens who can be independent and play a full part in society.

Whole School Focus

All colleagues are working on developing talk for learning in their classrooms.

Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader is a programme designed to encourage reading among students. They are first of all tested to get a reading age and to identify what sort of books they should be reading. One lesson a week and two afternoon registrations are then devoted to reading for pleasure. Students can, if they wish, take their Accelerated Reader book home to continue their reading. Once the book is finished, students do a test on computer to see how much they have remembered and understood. They then choose a new book and the process starts again.

At Coleraine College, we believe that reading is vital to learning and developing literacy. Parents and guardians are encouraged to read with their child daily for ten minutes and to discuss what they have read.

Students have their login details in their planners, meaning they can take their test at home if they wish.

Literacy Support for Students in 2015/16

In addition to Accelerated Reader, a number of students in Years 8 and 9 have additional literacy support. This involves 12 students who have two ten minute, one to one sessions, using an in house designed programme similar to Catch-Up.

The Communication Core Group

This group is made up of a number of teachers from different subjects (History, RE, French, LLW and Art) who meet each term to work on literacy related issues and to ensure that good practice is embedded right across the curriculum. Meetings currently focus on developing the teaching of writing in Years 8 and 9.

The Importance of Reading

What you can do to help with your child’s Reading:

Read yourself – set a good example and let your child know that reading is an important part of your life

Talk – discuss what you are reading and ask your child what they are reading at school

Value books – make sure your child has their own special place for books in their bedroom

Visit your library – it’s free to join!

Make time to read – set aside a time for reading for the family-after school or before bedtime – and do it daily